Cleaning Chalcedony • Oxalic Acid vs Oxidisation

I decide it’s time to clean all of my agates and chalcedony with more than just Citric Acid. I find me some oxalic acid and mix it up, add the rocks and see what happens. Pretty interesting results. Hope you all enjoy. Oh and this is not a tutorial, I’m just playing with my agates.
#rookierockhounding #cleaningrocks #aussierocks

[@annibeden4714]

Rookie rockhounder, thank you for making this channel and sharing not only your hobby, but your experimentation and all the varying aspects of loving stones. My mother loved to rock hunt in the several creeks throughout the valley i grew up in some of my best memories are of us just in the creek together. I wasn't yet a rock nut , then my mother passed away suddenly a little over a year ago. A few weeks after she died i decided to deep Clean and go thru my small collection of pretty colored creek pebbles and was amazed at the result. I was hooked, by the beauty, the hunt, peacefullness of nature and how it reminded me of my mom. IDK how i would have gotten thru this year without rockhounding, when I'm down by the water it almost feels like she is there to hunting with me. I've gone from a few pounds of little pebbles to hundreds of pounds of all kinds of pretty stones i have a whole dining table set up only for rocks finished on display and I'm already overflowing. I've experimented alot with different cleaners and acid baths i use vineger and citric acid soak and then mixes of cleaners like bleach, ammonia, toilet bowl cleaner (all outside dilutted in water very carefully) scrubbing them in between. I have figured out how to polish rough stones by soaking them in light oils and auto finish enhancers and other petroleum distillate agents like carburetor cleaner or belt conditioner. I've managed to make them shiny like when wet with no thick wax coating or residual residue. I have a Dremel but it's to hard on my hands and isn't very effective on the quartz,agate, chert, Jasper ect. That is prevalent in my neck of the woods. (Northern Kentucky, greater Cincinnati Ohio river valley) But i hope to one day get to polish them for real. I'm glad to have discovered I'm not the only one rock crazy. I got my husband crazy for them now too, lol. I really appreciate what you do and wish you the best in all your hounding adventures. If you've read this far thank you also for listening.

[@rockmeovertherainbow]

I love how you talk to your rocks like they are your babies 👍 this looks like fun I'm definitely getting more and more attached to my rocks and all I want to do is go and find more! Thankyou for your videos

[@triskaidekapho13ic]

"Bye guys, have fun!"

[@vivianramsay2527]

That was a great example of what effect that acid has on many different rock types. Thanks! Also glad you used gloves and like a few others suggested, need eye protection as well. Take care !! Will look for more of your videos!😀

[@jamesblondeau1029]

Love your hunting videos and your polishing videos are amazing. The rocks there are so different. Thanks for sharing

[@hukeaz]

It's just so fun to clean your rocks!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

@Valentin Cody Dude why would you want to do that? That’s horrible.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

@dane rayan bahaha! Oh my his. No it took you 15 minutes to switch accounts and post on this video again. 🤦‍♂️🤣 it’s a scam but that’s rad cause then dudes who want to hack their girlfriends phone get instant karma haha! Take care you two. Blockity block block 😉

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

My second time watching this. Once before I tried cleaning and now after I have more experience. We learn together! It even let me like again. Havagudun!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Haha! That’s great mate. Thank you for all of your support and how good is learning! Have a great weekend my good friend 👍😊

[@thirstfast1025]

Lol! I wouldn't say you've ruined them! If you have access to a pressure washer, blast 'em with that and then repeat your acid treatment. The agates I collect come from basalt, so I often need to do several stages of muriatic cleaning to get it all. In that case, soak them in acid for a few days, neutralize, then let it dry for a couple weeks, then dry scrub, then rinse, then back in the acid till it's clean!

[@Doxymeister]

The oxidation on some of those rocks reminds of me of images of Mars. Almost everything has that rusty-red color to it--but when soil or rocks are turned over by the Rover, the true color comes out. Fun project though, glad you made a video of it!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh wow yeah that’s cool!

[@CrispyLooper2112]

Hey Bud! Great video. Filming, editing and banter fell in perfectly. This is the first video of yours I have watched and loved it. I am new to hounding and am also in the experiment faze. Chalcedony is one of the first rocks that hooked me last year and i have a good group of them (Elko,NV.) I'm working with now. Thanks!!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey crispy looper! Thanks mate 👍 it’s such an awesome hobby, honestly, and if you ever have any questions on anything just holler. I may be late at it sometimes, but I will always reply. Have a great weekend my friend and thanks again for the comment. Happy hounding out there in NV!

[@joeonto6903]

Your awesome..my girl and me started about a year ago. We enjoy your videos. ✌🖤

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thank you Joe 😊 I’m so glad you guys enjoy the videos. Thanks for sticking around 😁 working on my next video now. Should be out in about a weeks time. Take car mate!

[@kevinnix6531]

interesting process rookie, the rhyolite came up well, and the other rocks definitely improved, thanks for information 👍

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Kevin Nix thanks Kevin, just a fun experience. Probably didn’t need it too much with these guys but next time I do, I’ll do it on a smaller scale. Thanks for watching mate 👍

[@babsy1955]

Nice job, and thanks for sharing

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thank you very much Bobi!

[@KowboyUSA]

Great looking specimens.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Kowboy USA Thank you very much mate, I’m learning and discovering as I go 😁

[@loa81]

Beautiful!

[@pitoyolelono3408]

Terima kasih atas video pengetahuan tentang batu. Jadi banyak pengetahuan yang saya dapat dari video anda. Banyak sekali fosil kayu koleksi saya. Tapi setelah melihat video anda .jadi ingin membersihkannya sekarang dari endapan kapur. Ternyata jadi indah adanya. Terima kasih atas video anda👍

[@bobhicks2762]

LOOKING GOOD

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thank you mate!

[@13mjunky]

I think the word you were looking for was inclusions. Lol I use dental tools I bought at the hardware store to pick out the tiny cracks. Just a tip

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Haha! Inclusions! That’s what I wanted to say 😉 Thanks mate!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sarejen6868]

Nice job! To clean out the little crevices I use those tools that look like dental picks made of metal, the plastic ones do ok but wear out quick. I haven't been brave enough to use any acids yet, I should try it. Thanks!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

SareJen Hey Sare! Thanks for watching 😊 Ah that’s what I thought before using my pocket knife, I think I’m gonna need to invest in one for sure. Thanks for the tip! I recommend goin with some Citric Acid for a basic general clean. It won’t harm the agates or your fingers and it’s at any grocery store in the baking goods section. I normally soak in baking soda and water after just to be safe but it does a good job of cleaning the surface crud from the creek off. Thanks again!

[@RockHoundingAdventures]

Thanks for the video

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

Awesome stuff

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

jason genaw Thanks for watching buddy! 👌👌👌

[@sharlenagiles9478]

Hey, thanks for this video!! Really enjoyed watching. Can you please do a norther video like this one where you clean up jasper in Oxcilic acid? I have some jasper I've found but I'm new to the hunting game and I only have 3 little bits so I'm too scared to try it with mine 😅

[@lizzymoore54]

You did a great job! Lovely results. I use a cleaner called " BarKeepers Friend " but the oxalic acid in it is so low in concentration that it takes weeks to clean. It's used to clean sinks, countertops , tubs and toilets. Mild abrasive also. I'm a little frightened to use pure oxalic acid. Enjoyed the video!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey! Thanks for checking it out Lizzy 😁 It was definitely a learning journey for me. I think I’ll only be doing it on a smaller scale the next time haha! 🤣 And only on ones that really need it, for now it’s Citric Acid for a first and basic clean. Thanks for watching 👍

[@lizzymoore54]

Rookie Rockhounding I also use citric acid. Pure lemon juice or citric acid crystals you can purchase to use in the dishwasher. It has to be dissolved in very hot water first or it just crystallizes in the container. I also use CLR, which removes rust, calcium and lime scale but be careful if you like or want your calcite, it will dissolve this also. All of these do need a lot of time to work and won't remove everything but are safer. Thanks for responding and I always enjoy your videos. G'day, mate! 😉

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thank you Lizzy Moore! Really appreciate your comments too 👍 thank you!

[@umarpremo4683]

use oxolic with warm water is better it's takes time two to three times week

[@typicalrockhound9887]

The rock stash is no joke man LOL Awesome video !

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Ontario RockHound Hahaha! It keeps growing man! I see anything translucent I pick it up and hoard it away haha! Even little baby jelly bean chalcedony. Thank you for takin the time to watch mate 🤟

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

I was thinking the same thing... I'd have a hard time leaving them inside.

[@conniegregory5547]

Thank you! This was very interesting. I collect rocks but have no saw and do not tumble. Would love to clean a bunch of my rocks. Will research further.

[@jackiepeacock84]

I rub mine down with a tiny bit of petroleum jelly after i clean them and they shine like i tumbled them. Way faster too

[@nealieanderson512]

Wow they are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing! Do you know what the blue ones are? So lovely! And love love the rhyolite!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh I love the way the rhyolite looks too, just amazing bits of nature. I’m not sure which blue one you mean but if it’s chalcedony then I’ve really only heard it called Blue Chalcedony. Not very creative I know haha!

[@barbaralwisdom]

Wow we they look good

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey Barbara, thank you, yeah this one was an old one but fun to work on. 😉

[@Automedon2]

Came out great

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thanks!

[@cleideediversao8853]

Tantas pedras lindas parece que vc esta no paraíso 😊

[@thirstfast1025]

You also might consider getting a tile saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade. You can slice or grind faces on these stones. Really make the banding pop!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thirst Fast Yeah that’s next on the toys list definitely. I can’t wait to cut!!! 😁

[@torihalteman8660]

I looovvee that big blue geode looking one

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

The bluer ones are my favourite hey, just beautiful 😁

[@CityRockhounding]

So cool to see how this works, cool experiment. One question, how so you dispose of the water/chemical, is it just water at that point once it stops fizzing? Assuming not the drain!

[@wishtherewasnotomorrow3209]

Would you happen to have any recommendations for cleaning up a rock with garnets? I've used green acid before but I don't think I'm doing it correctly.

[@maccone1]

We found some pink yellow and white common opal just about a week ago here in the states it's beautiful

[@roxannareneerantz638]

I would love to find opals in the raw!!

[@jessemarble1979]

Watching your videos and see the responses has made my decision to go get a tile saw today I live in Oregon and find similar agates Jasper and petrified wood here occasionally opal. Thank you for the videos and trying stuff out.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Yessss! That’s awesome! I know you will have a great time! All the best!!!

[@garrettbass6084]

Awesome! I am actually experimenting for the first time with muriatic acid right now. I'm really a rookie but this is such an awesome pastime for me I really enjoy the hunt and cleaning my finds when I get home. What store did you buy the product you used for this video?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey Mate, I bought this stuff from my local hardware store. It was in the concrete cleaning section. I’d say most hardware stores would have a form of it there. I hope that helps bud 👍

[@TheNinjasniper12]

So from what I'm seeing online, these Stones make beautiful cabochons cut gemstones

[@antientdude1100]

For safety reasons always place the rocks and water in first before adding the acid.

[@symonsheppard5519]

Cool, I liked the rhyolites, especially the one with the striped agate pieces. I don't think you did anything wrong, that process is mostly used to remove iron staining on crystal quartz but anything with rust staining is fair game it's only excessive time in the solution that can cause problems and only on certain rocks. The agate slab you were looking at with the inclusions could be left longer, you won't get it 100% but it makes a huge difference, other ways to remove the blemishes are by air pen and particle blasting ( sandblasting) but that is an expensive route to take. Muriatic acid is another way but it is not to be used frivolously, it can eat complete rocks and is nasty to most things.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Symon Sheppard Haha! Yeah I think for now with what I do with my rocks (which is basically just look at them 🤣), I probably will only leave this acid and any harsher ones for rocks that really could benefit aesthetically from the treatment, which most of mine in the vid didn’t really need to be treated haha. Ah well, learning as we go hahaha! I’m gonna stick to the Citric Acid for now, it’s gentle and less hectic and cost $2.50 instead of $30 like this stuff did. Thanks for taking the time to watch Symon and the feedback. Always appreciate it brother 👌

[@symonsheppard5519]

Rookie Rockhounding White vinegar is even cheaper.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Symon Sheppard Ah, I haven’t tried it yet, I’ll give a go next time. Tah mate.

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

@@Rookie_Rockounding I use cleaning vinegar. It is 10% acid opposed to 5% in regular white vinegar. It will dissolve calcite though. When I want to clean rocks that are really dirty I use Muriatic acid (Also called Hydrochloric)Enjoying your vids as I am a rookie also. BTW have been to your country 4 times nut wasn't hounding then. Loved the PPl and the whole experience.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh wow that’s a great idea, cleaning vinegar!!! I’ll have to see where i can get some of this stuff. Thanks dude! Yeah the people out here are pretty nice hey. Most of them anyway 😉 Oh and I’m seriously so glad you enjoy the videos. Got more coming out starting this Friday 😁😁😁

[@nonameneeded9267]

Just found your channel and loving it. Do you have an online shop (e.g. Etsy) where some of these specimens can be bought?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey No Name, no unfortunately I haven’t got any for sale yet, but if I ever do I’ll let you know for sure. 😉

[@mudassirqureshi7265]

I have some these type of stones if you want them contact me

[@davesontherocks9938]

I think you did the right thing by cleaning them.

[@ayselgokcenaysek4248]

Sizi tebrik ediyorum bol şanslar diliyorum

[@garnetstar28]

From what I understand, if you use hard water/tap water it can cause sediment buildup on the stones. I had to specifically use distilled water because of this, and it worked well on my jasper, quartz, and chalcedony.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh wow! Thank you garnetstar! That’s more than likely what the buildup on them was then. I used the tap water from my hose. Thank you so much for that help!!!

[@CyraWolfire]

garnetstar28 do you have a preference on cleaning rocks with quartz crystals in it? I bought muriatic acid but will that ruin my rocks?

[@umarpremo4683]

@@CyraWolfire use axolic acid with hot water give two to three weeks

[@VickyRenee]

@@umarpremo4683 There's no Axolic acid

[@smyatt1]

@@VickyRenee They mean oxalic acid.

[@kerinholmstrom250]

Great video! What I'd like to know is why you aren't slicing your small finds & and making cabbachons, rounds, all with a rotory tool and sanding bands

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

That’s a great suggestion Kerin! Thank you! I’ve got them all still so I think I need to try doing something like that. 👍

[@rasedase4899]

Is it wrong I’ve never cleaned my agates....great now I need to clean some rocks up. Thanks dude! 😂

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hahaha! Man the best stuff for your agates, which are seriously super similar to what we find in Australia is either vinegar, or citric acid. You leave them soak in that overnight and watch the difference. I prefer using citric acid. And it doesn’t burn the hands. Using heavier stuff is only useful for iron staining which I couldn’t see much of on your ones. But the citric acid is rad!

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

Muriatic acid works well on agates and jasper. Brightens and cleans. I use a 55 gallon tub, or 5 gal buckets. Always neutralize with baking soda.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

jason genaw Thanks Jason, I might try some of that soon when I get the chance but yeah I always do, but over here they call it bicarbonate (bicarb) soda but I think it’s the same stuff. 👍👍

[@BetterDeadThanRed99]

@@Rookie_Rockounding Yeah we Americans use 'sodium bicarbonate' and "baking soda" synonymously. Isn't it odd? Like 'petrol, gasoline, diesel, kerosene and naphtha' all get jumbled up when you go to other countries - it's maddening! Nobody knows what the hell you want and mistakes can be FATAL!!! lol Assuming I were attempting to light a bon fire in another country and I specifically ask for something like 'kerosene' (because kerosene is less volatile and doesn't explode like lighter petroleum fractions) ... but in this particular country (for whatever reason) 'kerosene' is actually what I would call gasoline! *KABOOM* That would be very bad indeed. And vise versa - if an immigrant came here to America asking for 'gasoline' and expecting something like what they're familiar with back home- then they're in for a big surprise too!!! *KABOOM* We don't have universal names for petroleum distillate fractions... ? haha, I've never understood. It might have something to do with linguistics and translations to other languagesbut I'm not exactly sure. I know petroleum-chemistry was originally pioneered in England. You would think that means we use the same terminology everywhere but I guess not. So strange.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh man results could definitely be disastrous with some of those examples for sure! Super interesting mate! Definitely food for thought hey

[@CyraWolfire]

Raw Dawg Pendants does it work well on rocks that hold quartz crystals?? I’ve been trying to figure out how to get the rock off so I’m left with just the beautiful crystals and clusters.

[@jasonsummit1885]

You could chip a lot of that iron oxide off with a dental pick, that's what I use for stubborn bits that won't come off any other way.👍

[@phyllisalippert-kelly524]

That was interesting... have you ever read about a product called “ white ox” for rust removal?

[@robrabbit2773]

Nice one bro. I've used oxcillic acid before. Years ago I was given some by an old rock hound who told me to use it very diluted and in continuous soaks over a period of weeks, needless to say I was not impressed. Now I can get it from Bunnings and as you just showed correct dilution is much faster! Awesome and looking forward to your next brother👍👍

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Rob Rabbit Hey mate! Yeah for now I think it was interesting to finally do this but I don’t think I’ll do it much unless on one or two at a time that actually need it. I find the Citric Acid works a treat for basic cleaning of crap off the freshly collected rocks. And don’t forget the classic sausage sizzle from Bunnings while your there haha! Oh but for Citric Acid I just get it from Coles or woolies, any supermarket will have it in the baking section for normally pretty cheap. 👍👍 Thanks for watching bud and happy weekend times brother 🤟

[@umarpremo4683]

use warm water with axolic acid two three weeks

[@terrietandy5029]

Make sure after your acid bath put them in a baking soda and water bath and soak for awhile... the soda water neutralizes the acid

[@amyjones7962]

I also wield a toothbrush to clean me rocks as well! 🤓🤓🤓😂😂😂😂

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

we have ‘rust away’ also a powder. i wear glasses & mask. seal off the top and leave in the sun. the dusty is just the soda settling on top.

[@edvaldoruiz6742]

Boa tarde amigo, ótimo vídeo

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Edvaldo Ruiz Thank you very much 👍

[@brianrickard8059]

Have you ever tried using an air bubbler like the one u use in an aquarium?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Ah no I haven’t used one yet but that could do wonders I reckon 😊

[@JoshPhoenix11]

Hey mate what part of Australia did you find all these?

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

Dont acid wash anything with potch/opal in, it heats the opal and that causes the cracking.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh gosh thank you for letting me know!!!!!!!!!! Seriously thank you!!!

[@nathan-n14nismo12]

Carriemchardy Carrie cheers for that. What should we use instead. ? I’m learning here.... still need to get rid of oxide/rust stains.

[@Doxymeister]

I've seen videos where opal cutters will heat the opal with acid and sugar--turns the potch black. If it has any fire, that will make it pop. The cracking though, I bet that's a problem.

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

@@Doxymeister they do that with ethiopian,not aussy opal to stabilise it and change it to a black opal which is worth more.

[@Doxymeister]

@@ccccarriemchardy9216 Oh! Cool, thank you for the clarification!

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

Rhyolite is the bubbly stuff mixed with the clear agate right? Not the botryoidal crystals grape like clear crystal associated with agate,

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

jason genaw I think so, I think it can be found in many forms, the botryoidal grape clear ones are just the crystal formation of chalcedony I’m pretty sure. I’ll pop a link up of BareNaked Stones in depth talk about rhyolite, it’s pretty good and helpful info. 👍

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

Rookie Rockhounding yes i like bare naked stones too

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

But yes cleans them well and easy.

[@NurseMickiLea]

You can order a set of dental tools on Amazon to pick out some of the remnants and get into the smaller areas without ruining your rocks or your knife.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey! That’s a great idea! Thank you for your help, and definitely thank you from my pocket knife haha! 😬

[@emdee7744]

@@Rookie_Rockounding Also wooden toothpicks do nice work in those small holes and gouges, and won't scratch your rocks.

[@aant190]

what types of oxalic acids u use. and whats the assay meaning the strength of the oxalic acids and where can we buy.?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

It’s from a hardware store here in Australia but it should be available in most hardware stores. The brands may change depending on what country you are from.

[@jordanbuhler8909]

Do you ever use hydrogen peroxide? Are there negatives to it? Thanks 🙏🏼 😊

[@DonaldJ22]

EYE protection when working with oxalic acid!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Yes! Super important mate!!!!!!!

[@daniellebrothers3688]

That's the first thing I thought when he added the powder--yikes!!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh god I thought I had some on! I can’t believe I did that! Thank you both for the warning and tip! Very careless of me.

[@truckerenoch8824]

I still use oxalic acid in some situations (mostly on marine fossils), but it can destroy any red/orange iron staining (because it's a heavy deoxidizer). So I only use it when I want a specimen without color (like favosites for e.g.).

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Ahhhhh yeah it would wouldn’t it. I was worried with the carnelian but it was all good luckily. I don’t tend to use it that much but if there’s oxidisation it does the trick really well 👍😉

[@truckerenoch8824]

@@Rookie_Rockounding Yeah that actually makes sense. If the microcrystaline lattice is tight enough (like translucent carnelian), the acid can't penetrate as deep. The ones I was doing were in calcite, macro quartz and limestone with iron staining.

[@danielcole8609]

Just subscriber great videos

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thank you!!!! Welcome!

[@danielcole8609]

@@Rookie_Rockounding no thank you and if you're ever around Albany Oregon shoot me a message I'll hook you up

[@cleideediversao8853]

Meu lindo

[@ayselgokcenaysek4248]

Süper güzellikler

[@savannahjones299]

We have tones...well not tones of fire agates where we live. but I have a few and would like to know how to clean them. I course while writing this I realized not a tutorial but still willing to learn.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

So there’s a dude that does a lot of stuff with fire opal, he knows his stuff too. Here’s a link to his channel 😁👍 kzbin.info/door/pi7cARJWN5WErmPvm_tQIA

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

i buy 12# bags on soda in the summer months sold in the pool supplies aisle

[@jonsdigs1]

When the rust/limonite is thick I will dissolve it with muriatic (hydrochloric) acid first as it is faster and easier to get.

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

Yeah next time just fill a bucket with water and baking soda, and leave the acid un neutralized and re use it. Just take agate out and place in n bucket for 20 minits to get in all the cracks, and there safe to handle. I reuse my acid. It gets expensive.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

jason genaw Oh man I know, $30 for this stuff, but I’m thinking of for now stickin to the Citric Acid for basic cleaning. That’s a good tip though thanks bro!

[@salalaos]

Where can I get those acid powder?

[@BackcountrywithShaughn]

It's Friday, tired from a long week and come home excited to check the tubers for updates but to my dismay the notices showed no new videos? Damn I'm such a Dag! So went ahead and checked a couple channels and lo and behold new videos. What's the point of subscribing to receive notices if YT doesn't forward the info to the subscribers? Ughh!!! Anyway...Thanks for playing with the acid and sharing with us again RR. As always was happy to see a new post~ My biggest fear with the oxalic acid would be eating away any calcite and opal in the specimen. I've never used oxalic acid but have used many vinegars and citric acid for stones as well as muriatic acid to etch 1095/15N20 steel combination to bring out the patterns. Update this post in a week and let us know if any of the surface shine has dulled on any of the pieces. (like the jellybean)

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Backcountry with Shaughn Hey mate! Happy weekend to you and thanks for watching! I find if I hit the bell that’s beside the subscribe button it lets me know when new videos get posted. I do it for the channels I love keeping up with, that might help keep you up to date with your subscriptions, saves having to go through all the vids and see if anything new is out. Yeah look, to be honest I don’t think I really needed to do this treatment on almost all my rocks, I prefer using the Citric Acid or vinegar for cleaning my stuff because I don’t get too much oxidisation with the stuff I find. It was interesting to go through the process though haha. But you’ll be happy to know that none of them are dulled down after about 2 weeks since I did this treatment... yayyyyyyy! I didn’t ruin them haha! Take care my friend 👍

[@BackcountrywithShaughn]

haha, understand. Appreciate the guidance sir. You appear to have all your rocks sorted by size and hardness then stored jars. Brilliant and very organized!!! Love the storage which is completely different than my haphazard way of storage, although I do separate chalcedony/agate and quartz from jasper~ Yeah at some point they are as "clean" as they're going to get without chisling matrix off the specimen. After watching your video I'm inspired to get some oxalic acid and try cleaning a small plate (12.5cm wide x 25.5cm long) of quartz crystals to see how it comes out. Appreciate the video and look forward to what's next. Also, just curious...are you in Queensland, NSW, SA, WA or the Northern Territories? I would like to research the geology in the area you live and check some of the terrain maps. Up here I am finding that the best zones for me to find good samples of chalcedony/agate, jasper, opal and obsidian tend to fall along the seam where a basalt lava flow ends and right around the rims of ancient collapsed volcanic calderas. The geology of Australia is so much older than where I live, would be super interesting and very cool to see if we cannot pinpoint some "hot spots" for you to hunt that folks really haven't documented much about or if they did it was done in the 16-1700's and much of that is/was lost but that you could still get access to. Happy hunting sir! (Carnelian, carnelian, carnelian. C-A-R-N-E-L-I-A-N!!!!)

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Backcountry with Shaughn Haha! Carneliannnnnnnnnnnnnnn! 🤯 Oh man it would work wonders with the quartz plate I reckon. I think most people use it on that material more so than agates haha! So I’m in Queensland, it’s a massive state but we’re in the the south east of the state around the gold coast. The stuff we are lucky enough to find is because of volcanic activity from about 23 million years ago. I’ll write the name of the volcano in my next comment below then you can write it down and let me know when you have so I can delete the comment so that no one out here gets angry about me giving too much info haha! Not that I care but there’s some pretty serious rock people out my way and I don’t want them gettin their panties in a twist haha! I’ll drop my email in there too if you wanna share any of your research or need more info. Let me know after you read it 👍👍👍

[@BackcountrywithShaughn]

Here is a resource I found from one of the schools I attended here where I live. You'll need to add the protocol http: at the front //volcano.oregonstate.edu/oldroot/volcanoes/volc_images/australia/volc_australia.html and //www.qhatlas.com.au/content/geological-survey-queensland There is a very basic breakdown of the plates and the movement and direction of the growth of the volcanoes. It looks like you have a lot of nice newer (15-35 million years) flows to explore. I'm guessing that since 90%+ of the population lives near the coast that the stuff on the slopes and waterways closer to the coast have been picked pretty well from the 1600's till now and further guessing that the closer to the bush you get, the better the finds will be. (think other side of the volcano sets) It looks like the distribution of volcanoes is also fairly wide. (up here a single lava chamber moves with the plates in a nice clean line making mountain chains) Looks like many different chambers in a swath of space are moving through that zone. (maybe thin crust there that allows more of the mantle to push through or even multiple faults that like fractured glass?) Additionally, from the maps I've reviewed so far, much of the water in Australia appears to flow inland? This strikes me as strange but they seem to end up in a bunch of salt flats towards the center of the country. Following those streams from the volcanoes near you (Mt. Isa) through the downhill zones and towards the interior/bush is where I'd start thinking about doing some fossicking. (gonna get a more detailed set of geology maps and try to pinpoint a couple spots that A. represent strong cases for mineralization. B. Have water. (I've done my share of surface hardrock mining and its truly brutal work and worse in the heat and humidity without lots of water)

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Backcountry with Shaughn Thank you for the great information shaughn! The main volcano that we are seeing this stuff from is 23 million years old, called the tweed shield volcano. Its caldera (I think that’s what it’s called) crosses the border of nsw and into Queensland. But I’d say you would be right about the further inland we go the less picked out the creeks get. We’re planning on exploring the bush side of the mountains very soon. I’ll check that link you sent me too. Thank you for your interest and the help buddy. Really cool of you.

[@heidialena]

Do you still still use this? I've been using citric on my beach finds, wondering if oxalic might work better?!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey Heidi so I actually haven’t needed to use this one, the citric acid is absolutely my go to for gentle cleaning of the rocks. This is more for the heavy duty stuff. But no, I haven’t used it since except to clean crystals with iron oxidisation on them. 😊

[@heidialena]

@@Rookie_Rockounding great, don't need to go to Bunnings then! Thanks for replying 🙏

[@famoushill3928]

Were there any diamond

[@bebahiba7656]

Waw jamil

[@tinarankin9290]

I was told to just use White Vinegar and leave for a few weeks

[@edtherockhound9944]

Well I learned from doing this is ? There isn’t any calcite in the rocks I found . But it did clean them very well and they look a lot better . I was hoping it would have a reaction and I would find some crystals . Oh well still fun and I have a poop load to clean so I’m getting it done . Have fun be safe ttyl

[@thirstfast1025]

For oxalic I use deck cleaner in a slow-cooker on the deck. For room-temp cleaning I use muriatic. As Jason genaw says, neutralize w/ baking soda. Apparently you call it bi-carb down under.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Thirst Fast Yeah we call it bicarbonate soda, but I think it’s the same thing. I soaked my batch in there for a good day or two haha. Yeah I’ve heard of the heating of oxalic acid before, but I would totally burn the house down or my skin off or something lol!

[@umarpremo4683]

@@Rookie_Rockounding fast put backer and fill with hot water then put.oxolic acid leave for two three weeks ,get oxolic in powder form is best

[@couchsurfer2856]

What kind of rock has the brownish top and brownish custard filling and is one of your biggest rocks ?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

It’s a mix Of chalcedony and jasper if I’m thinking of the right one.

[@couchsurfer2856]

@@Rookie_Rockounding thank you.. I miss NorCal, it's great to watch your vids

[@khushallgems]

😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️❤️😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️

[@sawanan5925]

Apakah itu batu berlian ?

[@sylmen1111]

💖🙏💯

[@jeinerguevaraarevalo8273]

hola buenos videos....amigo me podrias vender agatas pero sin pulir

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Me encantaría sellarte ásperas ágatas pero ahora no puedo correr. Tal vez un día sin embargo. lo siento mucho mi amigo

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

Let me know if you ever want to trade. I have tons. And we both like the rough, i just would like things from other places for my collection.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

jason genaw Thanks Jason, I think one day I will for sure, just trying to build up my collection until I know what I want to do going further into the lapidary stuff. But I’ll let you know for sure when I have tradable stuff 👌

[@tonibgood2000]

I live in New Mexico by kilbourne hole def. Trade

[@addicted2rocks811]

Isn’t there a similar process but people use vinegar?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Yeah definitely. So oxalic Acid is best for getting the iron oxidisation off I’m pretty sure. But mostly I just use Citric acid to clean the when I first get back from the creek. It cleans the organic stuff off really well. Vinegar works just like Citric acid. It’s a more gentle acid I’m pretty sure.

[@addicted2rocks811]

Rookie Rockhounding oh ok thank you, your channel is so great to watch. The humble attitude you have on it is awesome. I’m trying to learn this hobbie too. I threw this giant quartz with some sort of softer brown rock around it in a bowl with some vinegar. I’m on day two and it’s slow going.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh thank you! That really means a lot to know you enjoy it. So with vinegar it might not take the brown stuff (oxidisation) off very well, maybe look up some stuff called Iron Out. Or Iron off. It takes that stuff off quick smart but use the right measurements and safety gear like gloves and goggles. You should be able to find it in a hardware store. KZbin has a few videos on it too. Good luck friend!!!!! And get into it, rockhounding is the greatest fun and has so much room for discovery. Ask anything you need if you have any questions.

[@omerahmed3690]

یبین لنا هذە المواد لتنضیف الحجر شکرا

[@karenkernell9405]

What will you do with all your rocks?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Hey Karen! So basically we’re just learning the art of rock hoarding haha, but for the most part we cut them and tumble them to a polished stone. There’s a couple of videos up here on that. But hopefully at a later date I’ll be able to create some art or jewellery or specimens to sell or give away or just enjoy. They’re fun to look at when I get bored also. 😁 Hope that helps 👍

[@clairebeane3455]

Rookie Rockhounding Hahaha!! I am the queen of rock hoarding!! Looking now into what different art mediums I can use them all for. Thinking jewelry (of course ... the ol’ fallback guy), painting/dioramas ... I don’t know.

[@kellzkillz]

Same thing happened to me it’s because you used tap water u need to use filtered water

[@kuyayobi9320]

her:he might me cheating on me rn me and the boys:

[@editswithclaud7074]

Get ur self a crystal loving girl and then she won’t think ur cheating on her

[@erwinmanzano7596]

Consult an occultist and you may use these rocks for scrying. You might time travel backward or forward in time to discover hidden events and knowledge. Consult a jeweller, gemologist, or goldsmith and you can be a freelance earner using ubiquitous rocks. Update us soon Bro.

[@user-cr5hv9mc5t]

Они у вас очистились от грязи и ржавчины, но многие потеряли естественный блеск, стали матовые

[@kandulavijayakumar4777]

What are you doing this fire agets.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

No these are just normal chalcedony, some agates and Rhyolite. 😀

[@kuranginagaraju3543]

Funny

[@jezeldougherty973]

Come to montana we have the best agates on the Yellowstone river!

[@Jester62D]

I'll come up. Where's the site ? I love to gather agates on the Oregon coast.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Sorry! I didn’t see this comment when you posted it!!!!! Thank you for the invitation and if I’m ever over that way I definitely would love to!

[@angelalvarado7689]

💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@angelalvarado7689]

💐💐💎💐💐 💐💐💎💐💐 💐💐💐💐💐 💐💐💎💐💐 💐💐💐💐💐

[@danielcole8609]

I don't know the Pacific Northwest has some pretty awesome agates

[@user-ld4bt7ks9m]

😴❤💕💖👍

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

😁😊👍

[@angelahighwolf]

Use "Iron Out".

[@chipsramek3868]

Would not vinegar be much faster & better all around.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Vinegar is great for cleaning the stones, I use Citric acid as well, but oxalic and muriatic acid are somewhat stronger and target different things like oxidisation, the rust looking stuff as well as calcium. I think vinegar and Citric acid also dissolve calcium but at a much more gentle rate and they don’t seem to touch the oxidisation from what I’ve experienced. But I’m still sorta learning as I go. I hope that helps. Good question though chip 🤓👍

[@davesontherocks9938]

Now ( iron out.) Get it at home depot.

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

another acid that clears rust is muratic acid. but much more dangerous to use.

[@rawdawgpendants5490]

Ah dont splash.

[@user-eo7xw7jq6y]

หินของเขาสวยจริงๆนะถ้าเขาทำอย่างเราได้เขาคงจะทึ่งกว่านี้แน่หินบางก้อนถ้าเป็นสายที่มีเทพสถิตอยู่จะต้องถอนเวทมนต์เสียก่อนมันถึงจะเห็นภาพอีกหลายขั้นตอนอยู่นะไม่ง้ายหรอกพระก็ยังถอนไม่ได้นะ

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

ขอบคุณเพื่อนของฉัน 😊